Eco‑Conscious Ganesh Visarjan in Vasai-Virar: 12,987 Idols Disposed

Vasai-Virar municipal authorities concluded a 36‑hour Ganesh festival with the immersion of 12,987 idols, prioritising ecological stewardship. Most idols – 11,974 – were submerged in artificial reservoirs created for the purpose.

Of these, 11,847 were private‑home idols and 127 were from public installations. The remaining 1,013 idols were placed in jetties, floating ghods and two decommissioned stone quarries, consisting of 1,009 domestic and 4 public statues.

The city’s preparatory work included 128 artificial ponds, two closed quarries, five jetties and nine zones featuring 18 mobile ghods. Each site was equipped with a mandap, aarti space, illumination, a collection centre, neem‑filled kalash, medical assistance and surveillance cameras.

The immersion drive was led by Mayor Ajiv Patil, Commissioner Prithviraj B.P., and senior officials including Additional Commissioners Sanjay Herwade and Deepak Sawant, with Deputy Mayor Marshal Lopis also participating. Local politicians and committee heads observed the proceedings.

QR codes linked to Google locations guided devotees to each immersion point. A conveyor‑belt system facilitated idol disposal at the sealed quarries. The process remained active until 6 a.m. on the following day.

Authorities highlighted the increased use of shadu‑soil eco‑friendly idols and called upon the public to continue favouring artificial ponds for upcoming five‑day Ganesh, Gauri Visarjan, seven‑day Ganesh and Anant Chaturdashi rituals, thereby protecting natural water bodies.